City accepts funds for trees

The Chattanooga City Council voted 8-0 Tuesday night to accept a state grant for $200,000 in trees to be planted in area neighborhoods.

City Forester Gene Hyde, speaking to the council’s Public Works Committee, said the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation grant was unusual.

“It’s a rare opportunity that comes once in a great, great while,” he said. “I’ve been here 19 years and have never seen $200,000 for trees.”

The money will be used to increase the city’s canopy, Mr. Hyde said. The city received the grant to compensate for trees lost from Enterprise South, he said.

“Volkswagen officials were very concerned about the amount of deforestation,” Mr. Hyde said.